NYSE Celebrates Black History Month with BlackRock Opening Bell

Iris Acquisition Corp II rings closing bell as NYSE marks Lunar New Year

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provided a pre-market update on February 13, 2026, highlighting several events taking place on the trading floor. BlackRock's Black Professional & Allies Network rang the opening bell to celebrate U.S. Black History Month, while Iris Acquisition Corp II rang the closing bell. The NYSE also decorated the façade and trading floor to mark the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse.

Why it matters

The NYSE's recognition of Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations demonstrates the exchange's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its efforts to engage with different communities and cultures. These events help to raise awareness and promote understanding of the contributions and traditions of underrepresented groups.

The details

The pre-market update included information about the delayed January CPI report, which showed inflation grew by 2.5% year-over-year and 0.3% month-over-month. The update also mentioned that Once Upon A Farm CEO John Foraker would be joining NYSE Live to discuss the company's opportunities following its recent IPO, and that former CFTC Acting Chair and Moonpay Executive Caroline Pham would be sharing more on the firm's partnership with Deel to expand stablecoin salary payouts.

  • The NYSE pre-market update was delivered on February 13, 2026.
  • BlackRock's Black Professional & Allies Network rang the opening bell to celebrate U.S. Black History Month.
  • Iris Acquisition Corp II rang the NYSE Closing Bell.
  • The NYSE decorated the façade and trading floor to mark the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse.

The players

BlackRock

A global investment management corporation that is one of the world's largest asset managers.

Iris Acquisition Corp II

A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that recently held its NYSE closing bell ringing ceremony.

John Foraker

Co-Founder and CEO of Once Upon A Farm, a company that recently went public on the NYSE.

Caroline Pham

Former CFTC Acting Chair and current Moonpay Executive who will be discussing the firm's partnership with Deel to expand stablecoin salary payouts.

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The takeaway

The NYSE's recognition of Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations demonstrates the exchange's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its efforts to engage with different communities and cultures. These events help to raise awareness and promote understanding of the contributions and traditions of underrepresented groups.